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Mara Pirni Healing Place this week celebrated five years of providing vital support to Goldfields women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
To mark the day, the Mara Pirni team hosted an event at the hub where community sector colleagues joined them for a delicious morning tea and good conversation.
There was even some group artwork to get involved in, with local artist Sarah-Jayne Eeles creating two chalk installations – one to mark the five-year milestone and another to mark the 16 Days in WA campaign.
“It was a lovely morning and it so wonderful to be able to share this milestone with all of our community sector colleagues who have been so supportive of Mara Pirni and what it is working to achieve,” said Mara Pirni Manager Debbie Bustard.
The first of its kind
When it opened its doors in 2020, Mara Pirni was the very first FDV hub in Western Australia. The hub model brought together key services in one place and was underpinned by the conviction that accessing support should not be another hurdle for vulnerable women to overcome.
For the past five years, women and children who walked through the Mara Pirni doors have been able to access a range of services, from safety planning to legal information to parenting support.
In that time the Mara Pirni team has supported more than 500 clients, looked after more than 900 children at the on-site creche and run more than 700 groups.
Immeasurable impact
According to HOPE CEO Tracey Brand, while the numbers were impressive, the impact that Mara Prini has had on the lives of women and children in the region was truly immeasurable.
“This hub is not just a building,” she said at the birthday celebrations. “It is a beacon of safety, support and collaboration.”
And while the statistics were important, she reminded those present that it was the everyday actions of the Mara Pirni team that made the biggest difference, whether it was supporting a client to relocate to another town or advocating for clients in need of emergency housing.
“These actions are not just ‘checking boxes’; they are about fundamentally changing the trajectory of a person’s life. They are about providing a pathway from fear to safety, from despair to hope,” she said.
Ms Brand also thanked the Mara Pirni partner organisations; Wanslea, Ngunytju Tjitji Pirni (NTP), One Tree Community Services and Aboriginal Legal Service of WA.
“To all our committed consortium partners, our tireless staff, and the resilient community that embraces Mara Pirni: thank you for five incredible years,” she said.
“As the lead agency for this proud service, HOPE’s commitment is unwavering. We will remain dedicated to listening to the voices of survivors, seeking guidance from experts, and being informed by best evidence.
“Everyone deserves to live, to love, and to grow old without fear of violence.”
Mara Pirni Healing Place is dedicated to supporting women and children who have experienced or are experiencing family and domestic violence.
